Missouri Democrats hold up vote on right-to-work bill

Missouri Democrats hold up vote on right-to-work bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Missouri Senate Democrats are delaying a vote on a right-to-work measure they say is an attack on workers’ collective bargaining rights.

The Senate debated the measure Tuesday, with some Republican opponents and several Democrats speaking against the measure that would prohibit union contracts with employers that allow the collection of fees from non-members.

Supporters of right-to-work say it would attract more businesses to the state and grow the economy.

Republicans used a procedural maneuver to prevent Democrats from offering amendments as the debate began Tuesday morning and could use a rarely used procedure to force a vote and shut off the debate.

If the Senate approves the measure, it would have to return to the House before heading to Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon. He’s said he opposes it.